President Nayib Bukele has announced a significant decrease in the prices of basic food products across El Salvador, crediting the nationwide implementation of farmers’ markets for this positive development. The initiative has enabled Salvadorans to access fresh produce at fairer prices compared to traditional markets and supermarkets.

In a recent social media post, President Bukele illustrated the impact with clear examples: «Just a few months ago, four tomatoes cost $1; now you can buy up to 25 tomatoes for $1 at farmers’ markets,» he stated. He also highlighted that while potatoes previously cost $1.30 per pound less than a year ago, farmers’ markets now offer three pounds for just $1.

“There are different prices depending on where you decide to buy, but it cannot be denied that in recent months the price of the basic food basket has dropped,” Bukele affirmed. His message was accompanied by a video showing the lower prices available in these markets.

Currently, 56 farmers’ markets operate across the country’s 14 departments, providing daily access to affordable and fresh food. President Bukele emphasized that this downward trend in prices is expected to continue, even with the upcoming increase in the minimum wage.

In a related move, Bukele recently proposed a 12% minimum wage increase to the National Minimum Wage Council, scheduled to take effect in June 2025. “And it will continue to drop, despite the increase in the minimum wage [which, by the way, was already necessary],” the president added.

This development is part of broader efforts by the Salvadoran government to strengthen food security and improve the standard of living for its citizens.